'The Gilded Age' Lands an Early Season 4 Renewal

Rejoice, lovers of petty 5th Avenue social squabbling! HBO has confirmed that its lavish period drama The Gilded Age will officially return for a fourth season. The series,  which chronicles the clash between old-money Manhattan elites and up-and-coming nouveau riche strivers in late 19th-century New York, is the very definition of a prestige guilty pleasure, featuring everything from social scandals and petty rivalries to larger questions of industry and class.

Part of the reason for the renewal announcement is the undeniable ratings success the third season is currently having. Total premiere-night viewing for Season 3 has grown for five consecutive weeks, and is up 20 percent compared to last season. Fan engagement has also climbed, with social chatter rising nearly 60 percent week over week. (Look, every other network out there, if you give a show the time to find its voice, it will find its audience!)

"We couldn’t be prouder of the undeniable viewership heights The Gilded Age has achieved this season," Francesca Orsi, EVP, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, said in a statement. Transporting us to 1880s New York City, Julian Fellowes and the enormously talented cast and crew have created a “cant-miss it” entertainment experience from week to week, and we're delighted to continue exploring these characters’ grand ambitions for what we promise will be a thrilling fourth season.”